Today is not supposed to be only about picnics and fireworks. Today we really need to look back and ponder the immense sacrifice that others gave so that we CAN have picnics and fireworks and FREEDOM. I know a young man who is in the Marine bootcamp right now, he was raised by a single mom who did her best to love on him and bring him up. He signed up for the Marines not consulting anyone mid year his senior year of high school. Nothing could have prepared him for this experience. Nothing in his young life that had limited male leadership and influence. His letters to me spoke of the harshness of his instructors and how he wanted “out” so badly but no one would let him. I responded with letters that encouraged him and pointed out the strength it required to stay the course. The importance of prayer and relying on God in particular at this time and my faith in his ability to step up and find the man deep within.

So today is also about praying for those young men and women who cry at night in desperation wondering what in the world they have done, yet they stay the course and find in themselves the courage and strength to go the distance and become the next heroes that our nation depends on to protect and fight for our freedom even in the midst of the ungrateful masses.

Robert…I know you can do this and there are many of us  praying for you!!